Treating the "heart" for the elderly: Be careful of "otoliths" running away from home when the world is spinning

Many elderly people may have had this experience: the moment they get up or lie down, they suddenly feel dizzy, accompanied by symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, and even dizzy when they look up, look down, or turn over. They only feel dizzy when their heads remain relatively still. What is going on? Do you suspect that this is hypoglycemia, anemia, or cervical spondylosis? Not necessarily! It is very likely caused by "otolithiasis".

Otolithiasis, scientifically known as "benign paroxysmal positional vertigo", is a condition that causes vertigo. So, what are "otoliths"? Why do they make people feel dizzy?

Each of us has otoliths in our bodies, which are essentially calcium carbonate crystals. Under normal circumstances, otoliths are attached to the otolith membrane of the inner ear, like a layer of cobblestone paths. Under the influence of certain pathogenic factors, the cobblestone-like otolith particles will "fall off" and "float" from the membrane and enter the three adjacent semicircular canals (like three roller coaster tracks). When the head position of the human body changes, the submerged otoliths will move with it, causing abnormal flow of lymph fluid in the semicircular canals, leading to severe dizziness in the body.

What are the causes of otolithiasis?

Such as head trauma or some strenuous exercise, viral infection, fatigue, poor sleep, mood swings, osteoporosis, etc., especially postmenopausal women, because of the decrease of estrogen, are prone to osteoporosis, which can also cause otoliths to fall off; there are also insufficient blood supply to the inner ear and microcirculation disorders caused by high blood pressure, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, etc.; in addition, the aging of the otolith organ can affect the utricle and cause otoliths to fall off; other ear diseases, such as middle ear and mastoiditis, after ear surgery, drug-induced ototoxicity, Meniere's disease, idiopathic sudden deafness, etc.

How to diagnose otolithiasis?

When otolithiasis is suspected, the doctor will instruct the patient to do the following actions, such as lying down, standing up, rolling, etc. quickly in a specific head position to induce vertigo. When characteristic rotational nystagmus occurs, it indicates that the positional induced test is positive, which is an important evidence for the diagnosis of otolithiasis. The doctor can induce vertigo and characteristic positional nystagmus during the positional test to identify the affected semicircular canal and perform corresponding repositioning treatment.

What is repositioning therapy?

In layman's terms, otoliths run away from home and make trouble in the canal, causing vertigo. Through repositioning therapy, the otoliths return to their home and the vertigo is cured. Therefore, otolith repositioning therapy is a special treatment for otolithiasis. Different semicircular canals have different repositioning methods, and the repositioning methods are diverse. Repositioning therapy needs to choose manual repositioning or instrument repositioning according to the patient's physical condition and cooperation. Through repositioning therapy, most patients can achieve full recovery.

How to prevent otolithiasis?

Don't lie down or get up suddenly, and don't turn over too quickly when sleeping. Middle-aged and elderly people should pay special attention to this. Live a scientific and reasonable life, have a regular work and rest schedule, don't overwork, and keep a good mood. Control blood pressure, protect blood vessels, and quit smoking and drinking. Don't bow your head for a long time, and stay away from noise. Exercise more, but avoid strenuous exercise; women can take calcium supplements moderately. Actively treat various diseases such as Meniere's disease, arteriosclerosis, hypertension, diabetes, otitis media, osteoporosis, colds, migraines, etc., and use medicines reasonably.